Dear Yemenia Yemen Airways

11 LonglandsRd New Mills STOCKPORT Cheshire SK12 3BL 16th May 1994 Yemenia Yemen Airways 52 Stratton Street LONDON W1X 5FF     Dear Yemenia Yemen Airways     I am considering taking a holiday in the Republic of Yemen in a few weeks time, and if I decide in the affirmative I will be travelling with your airline. However, something I read in a travel brochure has given me some cause for concern. Apparently it is the practice over there to use the right hand only to shake hands or pass things with, and also to eat with. This puts me at a distinct disadvantage because I do not possess a right hand. (I lost it in a lawnmower) Does this mean that I would be unable to shake hands or pass anything, or, more importantly, eat anything, whilst I am in the Yemen? Because, quite frankly, I don't much care for the idea of going without food and not passing anything for two weeks, even if the food over there is pretty dire. I don't know what function the left hand fulfils in Yemeni life but on the face of it it appears to be pretty redundant. A friend informs me that it is used solely to wipe one's bottom with, but I must say I find this hard to believe, as I use my left hand to wipe my bottom with and I am no more Yemeni than the Queen of England. Could my friend possibly be correct? If so, do you think it possible that the authorities might give me some special dispensation to use my left hand? My friend says that the left hand is considered to be unclean, but personally I would rather eat unclean food than no food at all, even if it is only goat stew. I really would like to visit the Republic of Yemen, so perhaps you can help me here? Yours faithfully T Ravenscroft (Mr)